The Power of Color

Posted on 16. Feb, 2011

In interior design, color packs a powerful punch.

New and ongoing research into the psychology of color is providing designers with better ways to achieve satisfying results in business, advertising and personal home design. We’ve learned that color has an effect on emotions, attitudes and energy levels. Some colors soothe, while others provoke aggressive behavior.

Researchers have analyzed the effect of different colors and have learned, for example, that blue improves productivity, making it a good choice for offices and workrooms. In fact, blue is the favorite color of both men and women. Here in Harrisonburg, we all love our Blue Ridge Mountains! On the other hand, red stirs up the senses, raises blood pressure and stimulates appetite. That makes red a good choice to use in restaurants or for bold touches on business logos or signs.

Some prisons have utilized the psychology of color by painting walls pink to attempt to calm aggressive inmates. Yellow is not a good choice for jails—it tends to cause people to lose their tempers more easily, even though most people consider yellow to be a bright and cheerful color. Muted, buttery shades of yellow are easier for people to live with.

Dark green is associated with money and masculinity, and is a popular color for offices, dens and game rooms. Grays inhibit productivity and black is so strong, it’s best used only as an accent.

The colors you choose for your office or home really do shape the behavior and attitude of clients, employees, family members and guests, so choose your colors thoughtfully!